DEFENSE COMMUNITIES 360

Administration Promises to Protect Military Families, Veterans

In the face of slashing hundreds of billions of dollars in spending over the coming decade, President Obama and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta pledged their commitment to programs that support troops, their families and veterans.

“I have no higher responsibility than fighting to protect you and your families, just as you have fought and bled to protect our country,” Panetta said last week during a Pentagon briefing unveiling the strategy that will guide the department’s long-term budget decisions.

The president also vowed to “keep faith with those who serve by making sure our troops have the equipment and capabilities they need to succeed, and by prioritizing efforts that focus on wounded warriors, mental health and the well-being of our military families.” Veterans can expect similar support, he said: “We’ll keep working to give our veterans the care, the benefits and job opportunities that they deserve and that they have earned.”